Mafia III Officially Announced

After years of rumors and a final few weeks of teasers, Mafia III has officially been revealed today. Published by 2K and developed by brand new in-house studio Hangar 13, the series known for its immersive depiction of decades gone by is, after a six year absence, finally coming back to consoles.

The story begins over a decade after the events of Mafia II. Rather than setting the game in a fictional amalgamated city like Empire Bay, this threequel depicts New Orleans in 1968 in the thick of the civil rights movement. Though the game world won't be an accurate map of the city, it will be complete with period-specific cars, fashion, and music like the series is known for. The city is corrupt, run amok with organized crime. Italian mob families run prostitution, racketeering, and drug rings, while politicians and police look the other way to reap some financial benefits themselves.

Players take on the role of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam veteran without a family to embrace him upon returning home. Growing up as an orphan led him to the military, but now that his time overseas has come to an end, he needs a new surrogate family in the absence of his military brethren. He aligns himself with the black mob only to lose them too when they are betrayed and slaughtered by the Italian crime families who occupy the city. Lincoln sees only red, vows revenge, and from here is where this newest installment really stands out from its predecessors. Through a branching storyline with player choices at the forefront, Lincoln's path to revenge will be shaped. Hangar 13 says this captures their mantra of "every player story is unique."

The studio said players will build their own crime empire using "cunning, stalking and deception, or through overwhelming force and firepower." Newly appointed creative director Haden Blackman summarized Hangar 13's vision for the title:

In Mafia III, we are introducing players to an unexpected new anti-hero and an iconic city to explore, all within a hard-boiled drama set during one of the most turbulent years in American history.

A reveal trailer has also arrived today. There's no gameplay shown, but it serves as an excellent intro to the tone of the game, and the soundtrack should excite music lovers.

Mark is a lifelong gamer and current Assistant (to the) News Manager on TA. When not playing games, he can be found cheering for a bad football team, playing Batman action figures with his son, or going to concerts with his lover. Days where he does all of those things are his favorite.